Observing the sick child: Part 2c. Respiratory auscultation

Nursing continues to extend its practice base as the acuity of children in general wards often with complex illnesses and treatment increases. There is a need for ongoing development of the physical assessment skills of nurses who care for children and young people in order to facilitate early recognition of clinical problems. Respiratory dysfunction is the common precursor to adverse events. The skill of auscultation adds another dimension that augments the respiratory assessment repertoire of the nurse. This article builds on the palpation skills presented in February issue and provides a practical step-by-step introduction to auscultation.